Humanitarian Affairs Minister sets to kick off with Conditional Cash Transfer, prepares to accommodate 15 Million Households under Updated CCT

The Federal Government of Nigeria is embarking on an ambitious endeavor to extend its updated Social Safety Net Program, known as the "Conditional Cash Transfer" CCT, to include a significant 15 million households.

Dr. Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, unveiled this far-reaching plan during a meeting with Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri, World Bank Country Director, held at the bank's headquarters in Abuja.

Commending the World Bank's enduring support in various sectors including education, health, agriculture, private sector development, and social services, Minister Edu reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing Nigeria's welfare.

Edu also underscored the ministry's commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope agenda, which prompted the renaming of the ministry to Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. This shift in focus aims to directly combat poverty and uplift the lives of citizens.

"We appreciate the World Bank's adaptability in accommodating the ministry's redefined agenda to eradicate poverty," remarked Edu.

Preparations are underway for the Humanitarian Dialogue and the creation of the Renewed Hope Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund (HPATF), which will draw resources from multiple sources including the Federal Government's budget, development partners, international community, taxes, and private sector contributions.

Highlighting the necessity for collaboration, Edu called upon the World Bank's assistance to both verify and expand the National Social Register (NSR), as well as provide technical guidance to realize the president's goals.

Expressing his thoughts on the visit, Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri, World Bank Country Director, assured unwavering support to the new Minister Edu in delivering on the ministry's renewed focus.

"The earmarked disbursement of $800 million for the Social Safety Nets Project will commence shortly. We are committed to aiding in the verification and expansion of the National Social Register, offering technical guidance for the ministry's participation in UNGA, and providing specialized assistance for the establishment of the Trust Fund," pledged Mr. Chaudhuri.